In advance of Sunshine Week, Secretary of State candidate calls for personal financial disclosure among candidates, officeholders

Jocelyn Benson today unveiled details on her plan to promote transparency in Michigan state government, which the Center for Public Integrity has listed dead last among the states when it comes to transparency and accountability.

In announcing her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Secretary of State, Benson said if elected in November she will champion reforms that will shine a light on the secret money flowing into the state’s election process and requiring instant disclosure of all political and lobbying money. Benson’s goal is to make Michigan one of the best states in the nation when it comes to transparency and accountability.

“Disclosure is the best way to limit the corrupting influence of money in politics,” Benson said. “Citizens have a right to know who is funding candidates for elected office and who is bankrolling the advertisements they see on television.”

Benson’s transparency agenda is designed, in part, to address the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC, which opened up a new era of money in politics. That ruling gave corporations an unlimited right to try to influence elected officials through election advertisements, and created a dangerous loophole that enables corporations controlled by foreigners to spend money to influence U.S. elections.

Benson who has been endorsed by men, women and organizations across Michigan including, most recently, the Michigan Education Association is calling for:

Increased and Instant Transparency and Disclosure

Michigan law should require unions and corporations to publicly file reports when they spend money from their treasury funds to influence elections, including so-called “issue ads.” These reports should be timely and the information filed should be made publicly available in an easily accessible format

A Ban on Foreign Money in Michigan Elections

Organizations controlled by foreigners should be prohibited from using their funds to support or oppose candidates or issues in Michigan.

Eliminating the Potential for Quid Pro Quo Corruption

Companies that have contracts with, grants from, or that receive tax benefits from the state of Michigan or any local government should be prohibited from using their funds to influence Michigan elections. A company that has applied for, submitted a bid for, or requested a contract, grant or tax benefit from the state of Michigan or a local government should be prohibited from spending money to influence elections while the application, bid or request is pending.

Lobby Reform

Several changes are needed to increase transparency and reduce conflicts of interest in Michigan’s lobby law including full, timely disclosure of all lobbying expenses and purposes, and a required two-year “cooling off” period before former public officials can become paid lobbyists.

Personal Financial Disclosure for Public Officials

Michigan’s constitutional officers, members of the state legislature and members of the Appeals Court and State Supreme Court, along with candidates for those offices, should be required to file annual financial disclosure statements regarding their income, assets, and liabilities.

Expansion of FOIA Law

The Governor and members of the Legislature should be subject to state’s Freedom of Information Law.

“A century ago, Republican President Theodore Roosevelt led the charge to limit the spending of large corporations in our elections,” Benson said. “Roosevelt believed, rightly so, that corporate spending should not drown out the voices of the people in our democracy.”

Benson said if elected Secretary of State she will advocate for the changes she’s outlined.

]]>https://votebenson.com/1458-2/feed/0What Parkland’s survivors can learn from Selma marchershttps://votebenson.com/parklands-survivors-can-learn-selma-marchers/
https://votebenson.com/parklands-survivors-can-learn-selma-marchers/#respondTue, 06 Mar 2018 21:07:41 +0000https://votebenson.com/?p=1444A glimmer of hope emerged in the wake of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school in Parkland, Florida: young students across the country are rising up and speaking out to demand safer schools. If there is any doubt that the voices of these young adults can have a lasting impact, one only need […]

]]>A glimmer of hope emerged in the wake of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school in Parkland, Florida: young students across the country are rising up and speaking out to demand safer schools. If there is any doubt that the voices of these young adults can have a lasting impact, one only need look to another group of young people whose activism led to changes that had eluded them and their ancestors for decades.

In March of 1965 young leaders of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, led by now-Congressman John Lewis, faced down state troopers in Selma, Alabama to march and raise awareness about the ongoing violence and injustices stemming from segregation throughout the South. Those students forged coalitions with faith and other community leaders to demand that the federal government listen, respond, and ultimately protect and preserve their right to vote.

The students’ activism and leadership in Selma led to sweeping reforms and the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most powerful federal laws in our democracy’s history.

Some 53 years later students are again at the forefront of a national movement, this time to protect their ability to go to school without fearing for their lives. Those young adults can find success if they connect their advocacy to expanding the civic engagement of young people throughout the country. It’s a simple reality evident since the inception of our democratic republic: Elected officials listen to citizens who exercise their right to vote.

Research shows that young adults will vote if they are asked to vote — and particularly if another young adult does the asking. If today’s young activists prioritize asking every eligible citizen who follows them on social media or joins them at rallies and town halls to register and vote, these young leaders can dramatically impact their generation’s voter turnout — and their influence — in the years to come.

They also should, in turn, advocate for policies that make it easier for young citizens to register to vote and get engaged. For example, a dozen states allow eligible citizens to “preregister” to vote when they turn 16. Pre-registration essentially ensures that a future voter is added to the rolls at the same time they get their drivers’ license — or during high school registration efforts — and then are able to vote as soon as they turn 18.

It is one of the most effective ways for our democracy to embrace young citizens and prepare them for a lifetime of civic engagement. At a time when civics education is on the decline and turnout is consistently low among voters under the age of 30, several studies have suggested that a simple policy of preregistration can increase turnout among our youth.

Just as their predecessors did successfully over 50 years ago, today’s young adults have an opportunity to expand their influence over our country’s laws and leaders by connecting their advocacy and activism to civic engagement — and advocating for policies that will improve their access to the ballot box. If they do so, our democracy — and our country — will be better for it.

Jocelyn Benson is the CEO of the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) and the author of Secretaries of State: Guardians of the Democratic Process.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, endorsed Jocelyn Benson for Michigan secretary of state. Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY’s List, released the following statement:

“During her time as dean of Wayne State University Law School, Jocelyn Benson worked tirelessly to improve services, create more scholarships, and slash costs, which boosted the school’s reputation. Additionally, she has led efforts to provide free legal services to Michigan veterans, equip Detroit entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed, and has overseen three statewide election protection efforts.”

“As Michigan’s next secretary of state, Jocelyn is committed to ensuring that all Michigan voters have a voice and that government services work for all. She is a proven leader who will use her experience to implement a 30 minute guarantee for service, make it easier to vote but harder to cheat, and crack down on people intimidating voters or committing fraud against our elections system. EMILY’s List is proud to endorse Jocelyn Benson.”

Jocelyn Benson has more than a decade of experience in election law and election administration, and in championing the rights of citizens by successfully fighting the status quo. She has made the “30 minute guarantee,” a commitment to reduce wait times for Michigan residents to renew a driver license, register their vehicle, or cast a ballot to under 30 minutes, a central plank of her campaign. Jocelyn would be the first Democratic woman to serve as secretary of state in Michigan.

EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, has raised over $500 million to support pro-choice Democratic women candidates – making them one of the most successful political organizations ever. Our grassroots community of over five million members helps Democratic women wage competitive campaigns – and win. We recruit and train candidates, support strong campaigns, research the issues that impact women and families, and turn out women voters. Since our founding in 1985, we have helped elect 116 women to the House, 23 to the Senate, 12 governors, and over 800 to state and local office. Forty percent of the candidates EMILY’s List has helped elect to Congress have been women of color. Since the 2016 election, thousands of women and counting have reached out to us about running for office. To harness this energy, EMILY’s List has launched Run to Win, an unprecedented effort to get more women to run at the local, state, and national levels.

]]>https://votebenson.com/emilys-list-endorses-jocelyn-benson-michigan-secretary-state/feed/0Jocelyn Benson Fundraising Exceeds $455,000 for Secretary of State Campaignhttps://votebenson.com/jocelyn-benson-fundraising-exceeds-455000-secretary-state-campaign/
https://votebenson.com/jocelyn-benson-fundraising-exceeds-455000-secretary-state-campaign/#respondTue, 30 Jan 2018 15:52:30 +0000https://votebenson.com/?p=1427FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 30, 2017 Jocelyn Benson Fundraising Exceeds $455,000 for Secretary of State Campaign More than $202,000 raised in latest reporting period DETROIT — The campaign committee for Democratic Secretary of State candidate Jocelyn Benson today announced it raised a total $455,143 in 2017, with more than $202,000 raised in the quarter ending December […]

Jocelyn Benson Fundraising Exceeds $455,000 for Secretary of State Campaign

More than $202,000 raised in latest reporting period

DETROIT — The campaign committee for Democratic Secretary of State candidate Jocelyn Benson today announced it raised a total $455,143 in 2017, with more than $202,000 raised in the quarter ending December 31.

According to the campaign finance report to be filed this week, more than 1,000 individuals contributed to the campaign in the last two months of 2017 with nearly 70 percent of fourth quarter contributions at $50 or less. The Benson for Secretary of State Committee has $389,648.81 cash on hand.

“Our campaign is growing and so, too, is the broad-based coalition of people who support our plan,” Benson said. “Citizens are eager for a Secretary of State who will value their time with a 30-minute service guarantee, and who will fight to hold down fees, and work tirelessly to ensure that our elections are the most secure and accurate in the nation with every legitimate vote being counted.”

In addition to the money raised last quarter, Benson picked up major endorsements including the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, The American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, the Progressive Women’s Alliance, former U.S. Senator Carl Levin and former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer.

As Secretary of State, Benson will introduce the 30-Minute Guarantee to deliver all services managed and overseen by the Secretary of State. Benson will improve efficiencies and online services so citizens renewing their driver’s license or registering their vehicle in-person can do so in a half-hour or less. Benson aims to make Michigan a national model for election security with every legitimate vote being counted with those would who intimidate voters or attempt fraud prosecuted. Benson will also oppose fee increases, some of which have hit Michigan families hard in recent years.

About Jocelyn Benson

Jocelyn Benson has more than a decade of experience as a national leader in election law and administration. She is the author of Secretaries of State: Guardians of the Democratic Process, the first major book on the role of the Secretary of State in enforcing election and campaign finance laws and promoting fair, accessible and secure elections.

Jocelyn has a proven track record of success in leading institutions, cutting costs and improving services. As the former dean of Wayne State University Law School she froze tuition, expanded access to scholarship funds for all students, and bolstered the school’s reputation and bar passage rates. She also established programs to promote government oversight, provide free legal services for veterans, and help aspiring entrepreneurs participate in the economic revival of Detroit.

Jocelyn recognizes the challenges facing veterans and military families. In 2012 while her husband, Ryan Friedrichs, served in Afghanistan with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, she joined with four other military spouses to establish the Military Spouses of Michigan, a network dedicated to providing support and services to military spouses and their children. It was Friedrichs’ experience of not having his vote counted while serving overseas that prompted her pledge on day one of her campaign to ensure that every vote is counted, including those of our military service men and women.

Jocelyn is currently CEO of the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE), a national nonprofit. She serves on several national boards including the advisory board of iCivics, a non-profit founded by retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and dedicated to engaging students in meaningful civic learning.

Learn more about Jocelyn Benson and her plan for Secretary of State at www.votebenson.com.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan today endorsed Jocelyn Benson’s nomination and ultimate election in November to be Michigan Secretary of State. Duggan cited Benson’s experience and her commitment to people as reasons voters should elect her Secretary of State.

“Jocelyn is, without question, the person we need to be Michigan’s next Secretary of State,” Duggan said. “I support her unequivocally and enthusiastically. We need a Secretary of State who will work hard every day to ensure that our government works effectively and efficiently for every citizen. “

The mayor added, “Jocelyn’s 30-minute guarantee sends a message to every Michigan resident that their time matters and recognizes that no one should have to spend hours waiting to renew their drivers’ license, register their vehicle, or cast a ballot. It’s exactly the type of results-driven leadership we need in government today.”

Mayor Duggan noted that in addition to her service guarantee, Benson is an election law expert who has led voter protection efforts in Michigan and will make sure every legitimate vote is counted while cracking down on those who would intimidate voters or commit fraud against the system.

Benson, who resides in Detroit, said she is proud to have Mayor Duggan’s support.

“Mayor Duggan works hard every day for the people of Detroit and knows how important it is to guarantee service and get things done,” Benson said. “I admire his leadership and strong work ethic a great deal and am honored to have his support as we work the win this election.”

About Jocelyn Benson

Jocelyn Benson has more than a decade of experience as a national leader in election law and administration. She is the author of Secretaries of State: Guardians of the Democratic Process, the first major book on the role of the Secretary of State in enforcing election and campaign finance laws, and promoting fair, accessible and secure elections.

Jocelyn has a proven track record of success in leading institutions, cutting costs and improving services. As the former dean of Wayne State University Law School she froze tuition, expanded access to scholarship funds for all students, and bolstered the school’s reputation and bar passage rates. She also established programs to promote government oversight, provide free legal services for veterans, and help aspiring entrepreneurs participate in the economic revival of Detroit.

Jocelyn recognizes the challenges facing veterans and military families. In 2012 while her husband, Ryan Friedrichs, served in Afghanistan with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, she joined with four other military spouses to establish the Military Spouses of Michigan, a network dedicated to providing support and services to military spouses and their children.

Jocelyn is currently CEO and Executive Director of the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE), a national nonprofit. She serves on several national boards including the advisory board of iCivics, a non-profit founded by retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and dedicated to engaging students in meaningful civic learning.

Learn more about Jocelyn Benson and her plan for Secretary of State at www.votebenson.com

Former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer, chairman emeritus of Dickinson Wright law firm, today announced his endorsement of Jocelyn Benson for Michigan Secretary of State.

“Public service must be a core value for anyone seeking elected office, a commitment to get things done for people,” said Archer. “That is why I am endorsing Jocelyn Benson for Michigan Secretary of State.”

Archer, who served two terms as mayor of Michigan’s largest city, said Benson has both the experience and expertise to back up her commitment to serve the people of Michigan. He cited her work as CEO of RISE (Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the unifying power of sports to improve race relations and drive social progress, her fight to protect voters’ rights, and her leadership at Wayne State University law school where she taught election law and served as dean, as just a few reasons why he is supporting her nomination and election.

Benson welcomed Mayor Archer’s support for her nomination and election.

“Mayor Archer exemplifies the best in public service,” Benson said. “Smart and dedicated, he provided important leadership for Detroit so receiving his endorsement is an honor.”

In announcing her campaign for the Democratic nomination and election in November 2018, Benson outlined a platform that includes:

A 30-Minute Guarantee to deliver all services managed and overseen by the Secretary of State, including instituting new technologies and best practices that will help citizens avoid waiting in line at branch offices altogether.

A Ban on Fee Increases: As dean of the Wayne State University Law School, Benson froze tuition and significantly increased scholarship funding to make law school more affordable and accessible to all students. Just as she fought tuition increases, Benson will use her proven track record on pocketbook issues to advocate against fee increases that have hit Michigan families hard in recent years.

Election Security: Benson’s vision is to make Michigan a national model in election security. She will ensure that voting remains a sacred right and that every legitimate vote is counted. Benson, who has developed and supervised three election protection efforts in Michigan, will toughen penalties for those who commit voter fraud and voter intimidation, and she will lead an effort to protect our elections from the threat of computer hacking, tampering and manipulation.

Protecting Voting Rights and Voter Access: Benson will work to modernize our elections, improve poll worker training, and ensure the voting rights of every citizen are protected. Voters should be able to vote early or by absentee ballot without having to give a reason, just as they do in dozens of other states. As Secretary of State, Benson will ensure voters who want to cast a ballot can do so with ease, and without intimidation or fear of fraud.

Ethics and Transparency: Among the 50 states, Michigan is dead last in government transparency and accountability. Benson will champion reforms that will make Michigan one of the best states in the nation by shining a light on the secret money flowing into our election process and requiring instant disclosure of all political and lobbying money.

Archer’s endorsement is the latest in a series of endorsements that includes former U.S. Senator Carl Levin, current and former elected officials in Macomb County led by County Executive Mark Hackel, the American Federation of Teachers Michigan, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights.

“Our citizens deserve a state government that listens to them. We must be transparent and accountable, promise a secure democracy that is based upon fair and honest elections, and deliver efficient customer service throughout the state. As Michigan’s next Secretary of State, I will work on behalf of all our citizens every day to ensure they come first.”

]]>https://votebenson.com/dennis-archer-endorses-jocelyn-benson-michigan-secretary-state/feed/0Current, Former Elected Officials in Macomb County Endorse Jocelyn Benson for Michigan Secretary of Statehttps://votebenson.com/current-former-elected-officials-macomb-county-endorse-jocelyn-benson-michigan-secretary-state/
https://votebenson.com/current-former-elected-officials-macomb-county-endorse-jocelyn-benson-michigan-secretary-state/#respondTue, 12 Dec 2017 15:21:53 +0000https://votebenson.com/?p=1050FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, December 12, 2017 Contact: Liz Boyd at 517-881-6713 or Alan Fosnacht at 248-892-9131 Mt. Clemens – On Monday a group of current and former local and state elected officials in Macomb County on Monday endorsed Jocelyn Benson for Michigan Secretary of State in November 2018. The group includes State Representative Bill Sowerby; Clinton Charter Township Treasurer […]

Mt. Clemens – On Monday a group of current and former local and state elected officials in Macomb County on Monday endorsed Jocelyn Benson for Michigan Secretary of State in November 2018.

The group includes State Representative Bill Sowerby; Clinton Charter Township Treasurer Paul Gieleghem and Clinton Charter Township Trustee Mike Keys; Macomb County Commissioner Kathy Tocco; former State Senator Ken Debeaussaert; former State Representative Fred Miller, and Julie Matuzak. Also lending his support is Macomb Democratic Chair Ed Bruley.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Sowerby said Benson’s proven track record of getting things done was a driving force in their endorsement.

“We need to increase the ranks of people in Lansing who are focused on the issues facing working men and women, not just the special interests” Sowerby said. “Jocelyn’s track record tells us that she will be a great ally to those of us who put Michigan families first.”

Among the experience cited by Sowerby is Benson’s track record at Wayne State University Law School where, as dean, she stopped tuition increases while at the same time increasing scholarship funding to make law school more affordable and accessible to all students — effectively cutting tuition by 14 percent.

“I am proud to have the endorsement of these men and women who understand that their time and money should be valued,” Benson said. “They are hard workers and as their Secretary of State I pledge to work as hard as they do.”

Benson’s platform includes:

A 30-minute guarantee for services delivered at branch offices and those services overseen by her office;

A ban on fee increases;

Making Michigan a national model in election security, ensuring that voting remains a sacred right and that every legitimate vote is counted. This includes toughening penalties for voter fraud and voter intimidation, and protecting elections from the threat of computer hacking, tampering and manipulation;

Modernizing our elections process, including improving poll worker training and ensuring that the voting rights of every citizen are protected. Voters should be able to vote early or by absentee ballot without having to give a reason, just as they do in dozens of other states; and

Transparency reforms that will make Michigan one of the best states in the nation by shining a light on the secret money flowing into our election process and requiring instant disclosure of all political and lobbying money.

Earlier this fall Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, U.S. Congressman Sander Levin and another group of current and former Macomb County leaders were among the first to endorse Benson. They included Prosecutor Eric Smith, Sheriff Anthony Wickersham, State Senator Steve Bieda, State Representatives Kevin Hertel, Jon Chirkun, Patrick Green, and Henry Yanez, and former Macomb County Clerk Carmella Sabaugh.

About Jocelyn Benson:

Benson has more than a decade of experience as a national leader in election law and administration. She is the author of Secretaries of State: Guardians of the Democratic Process, the first major book on the role of the Secretary of State in enforcing election and campaign finance laws, and promoting fair, accessible and secure elections.

Benson recognizes the challenges facing veterans and military families. In 2012 while her husband, Ryan Friedrichs, served in Afghanistan with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, she joined with four other military spouses to establish the Military Spouses of Michigan, a network dedicated to providing support and services to military spouses and their children.

Benson is currently CEO and Executive Director of the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE), a national nonprofit. She serves on several national boards including the advisory board of iCivics, a non-profit founded by retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and dedicated to engaging students in meaningful civic learning.

]]>https://votebenson.com/current-former-elected-officials-macomb-county-endorse-jocelyn-benson-michigan-secretary-state/feed/0Secretary of State Candidate Jocelyn Benson Endorsed by Carpenters, Millwrightshttps://votebenson.com/secretary-state-candidate-jocelyn-benson-endorsed-carpenters-millwrights/
https://votebenson.com/secretary-state-candidate-jocelyn-benson-endorsed-carpenters-millwrights/#respondThu, 07 Dec 2017 15:20:37 +0000https://votebenson.com/?p=1048FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, December 7th, 2017 Contact: Liz Boyd at 517-881-6713 or Alan Fosnacht at 248-892-9131 Jocelyn Benson today received the endorsement of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights (MRCC) in her bid to be Michigan’s next Secretary of State. Benson is seeking the Democratic nomination for election in November 2018. The MRCC cited her priorities and experience in […]

Jocelyn Benson today received the endorsement of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights (MRCC) in her bid to be Michigan’s next Secretary of State. Benson is seeking the Democratic nomination for election in November 2018.

The MRCC cited her priorities and experience in announcing their endorsement.

“As working men and women we appreciate Jocelyn’s priorities that value our time and our money,” said MRCC Executive Secretary Treasurer Mike Jackson. “From her 30-Minute Service Guarantee and commitment to fight fee increases, to her proven track record of getting things done, we know that when elected the working people of Michigan will be her top priority, not the special interest lobbyists in Lansing.”

The MRCC represents 14,000 carpenters and millwrights across the state of Michigan, skilled tradesmen and women who take pride in their skilled trades and who stand together to keep Michigan’s economy strong. They build diverse projects, large and small, and work with precision machinery to install and maintain everything from conveyor systems to turbines and generators.

In announcing her campaign Benson outlined her priorities that include:

A 30-Minute Guarantee to deliver all services managed and overseen by the Secretary of State, including instituting new technologies and best practices that will help citizens avoid waiting in line at branch offices altogether.

Ban Fee Increases: As dean of the Wayne State University Law School, Benson froze tuition and significantly increased scholarship funding to make law school more affordable and accessible to all students. Just as she fought tuition increases, Benson will use her proven track record on pocketbook issues to advocate against fee increases that have hit Michigan families hard in recent years.

Election Security: Benson’s vision is to make Michigan a national model in election security. She will ensure that voting remains a sacred right and that every legitimate vote is counted. Benson, who has developed and supervised three election protection efforts in Michigan, will toughen penalties for those who commit voter fraud and voter intimidation, and she will lead an effort to protect our elections from the threat of computer hacking, tampering and manipulation.

Protecting Voting Rights and Voter Access: Benson will work to modernize our elections, improve poll worker training, and ensure the voting rights of every citizen are protected. Voters should be able to vote early or by absentee ballot without having to give a reason, just as they do in dozens of other states. As Secretary of State, Benson will ensure voters who want to cast a ballot can do so with ease, and without intimidation or fear of fraud.

Ethics and Transparency: Among the 50 states, Michigan is dead last in government transparency and accountability. Benson will champion reforms that will make Michigan one of the best states in the nation by shining a light on the secret money flowing into our election process and requiring instant disclosure of all political and lobbying money.

Benson expressed gratitude for the MRCC endorsement.

“The men and women of the MRCC know what it means to work hard and they expect others to do the same,” Benson said. “To earn their endorsement is an honor and if elected they have my commitment that I will work as hard as they do to deliver service, protect our elections and make our government more transparent.”

]]>https://votebenson.com/secretary-state-candidate-jocelyn-benson-endorsed-carpenters-millwrights/feed/0American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Michigan Endorses Jocelyn Benson for Secretary of Statehttps://votebenson.com/american-federation-teachers-aft-michigan-endorses-jocelyn-benson-secretary-state/
https://votebenson.com/american-federation-teachers-aft-michigan-endorses-jocelyn-benson-secretary-state/#respondTue, 05 Dec 2017 15:19:19 +0000https://votebenson.com/?p=1045FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, December 5th, 2017 Contact: Liz Boyd at 517-881-6713 or Alan Fosnacht at 248-892-9131 The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Michigan today announced its endorsement of Jocelyn Benson for the Democratic nomination for Michigan Secretary of State in 2018. The announcement was made by AFT Michigan President David Hecker after a vote by the union’s Administrative Board. “Jocelyn Benson is […]

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Michigan today announced its endorsement of Jocelyn Benson for the Democratic nomination for Michigan Secretary of State in 2018. The announcement was made by AFT Michigan President David Hecker after a vote by the union’s Administrative Board.

“Jocelyn Benson is the best qualified person to serve as Michigan’s next Secretary of State and that is why we are proud to offer an early endorsement of her campaign,” Hecker said. “She has the experience, the values and, the proven track record to serve as one of Michigan’s constitutional state officeholders. We look forward to encouraging the members to work hard to elect of one of our own in November 2018.”

As a member of the Wayne State University law school faculty Benson is a member of AFT Michigan Local 6075. AFT Michigan represents 30,000 members across Michigan who are employed at PreK-12 schools, including charter schools, intermediate school districts, community colleges, universities and a credit union. They are part of 1.7 million national members of the American Federation of Teachers (AFL-CIO).

The daughter of two special education teachers, Benson has more than a decade of experience as a national leader in election law and administration. She is the author ofSecretaries of State: Guardians of the Democratic Process, the first major book on the role of the Secretary of State in enforcing election and campaign finance laws, and promoting fair, accessible and secure elections.

Benson has a proven track record of success in leading institutions, cutting costs and improving services. As the former dean of Wayne Law she froze tuition, expanded access to scholarship funds for all students, and bolstered the school’s reputation and bar passage rates.

In 2012 while her husband, Ryan Friedrichs, served in Afghanistan she joined with four other military spouses to establish the Military Spouses of Michigan, a network dedicated to providing support and services to military spouses and their children.

Benson is currently CEO and Executive Director of the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE), a national nonprofit. She serves on several national boards including the advisory board of iCivics, a non-profit founded by retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and dedicated to engaging students in meaningful civic learning.

“AFT Michigan represents the men and women who make our schools work, who are educating and preparing our young people to be active and engaged citizens going forward,” Benson said. “To earn their endorsement is nothing short of humbling and I look forward to working hard every day to make them proud.”

In an email to friends and supporters of Jocelyn Benson, former U.S. Senator Carl Levin today endorsed Benson for Michigan Secretary of State in 2018. Levin cited Benson’s experience as an administrator who delivers results and a critical thinker who is passionate about all facets of the election process, as reasons voters should elect her next year.

“Jocelyn’s vision and platform captures our best aspirations as a people: ethical and transparent government, broad voter participation, an egalitarian spirit combined with good old-fashioned American optimism,” Levin wrote. “She has my wholehearted endorsement for the Democratic nomination and I plan to do everything I can to get her elected next year. I hope you will join me.”

Levin wrote that in his 36 years in the United States Senate he worked alongside many excellent public servants, all whom shared similar qualities. They were smart, they listened, they did their homework, they worked hard and they cared about people. He noted that Benson exhibits those qualities.

He cited her work in fighting tuition increases and increasing scholarship funding while dean of Wayne Law, where they have co-taught a course on Legislation and Government Oversight. He also cited her work in developing and implementing voter protection efforts in Michigan as well as her leadership in co-founding the Military Spouses of Michigan.

“The Michigan Department of State touches the lives of more people than any other office in state government,” Levin said. “For that reason we need someone leading that office who values our time and our money, someone who knows how to fight for everyone.

“And, at a time when foreign governments want to influence our elections process we need to ensure that our state’s Chief Elections Officer – our Secretary of State — will protect our elections system from hacking, make it is easier to vote and harder to cheat, and who will fight for transparency in government,” Levin added.

Benson said she is honored to have Levin’s support.

“Senator Levin embodies everything we want in our leaders – he is an honest, hard-working public servant with an uncompromising commitment to integrity and the public good,” Benson said. “Getting to work with and learn from him during my time as Dean of Wayne Law is one of the greatest honors in my life, and to have his support in my campaign for Secretary of State means the world. I will work hard every day to be a Secretary of State who embodies those same values that he has lived throughout his career.”

About Jocelyn Benson

Jocelyn Benson has more than a decade of experience as a national leader in election law and administration. She is the author of Secretaries of State: Guardians of the Democratic Process, the first major book on the role of the Secretary of State in enforcing election and campaign finance laws, and promoting fair, accessible and secure elections.

Jocelyn has a proven track record of success in leading institutions, cutting costs and improving services. As the former dean of Wayne State University Law School she froze tuition, expanded access to scholarship funds for all students, and bolstered the school’s reputation and bar passage rates. She also established programs to promote government oversight, provide free legal services for veterans, and help aspiring entrepreneurs participate in the economic revival of Detroit.

Jocelyn recognizes the challenges facing veterans and military families. In 2012 while her husband, Ryan Friedrichs, served in Afghanistan with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, she joined with four other military spouses to establish the Military Spouses of Michigan, a network dedicated to providing support and services to military spouses and their children.

Jocelyn is currently CEO and Executive Director of the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE), a national nonprofit. She serves on several national boards including the advisory board of iCivics, a non-profit founded by retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and dedicated to engaging students in meaningful civic learning.

Learn more about Jocelyn Benson and her plan for Secretary of State at www.votebenson.com.